"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
9 Nov 2023
Ganesh Kulal Panjimar (35 years old) and his sister Suma Panjimar (22) are artists who have worked with pencil, acrylic, and oil paints among other mediums. Remarkably, they watched YouTube videos that provided detailed instructions along with an oral explanation to help them learn their craft.
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a genetic disease that causes bones to become brittle and prone to fractures, is the medical condition the siblings suffer from. Even in the face of challenges, Ganesh has produced more than 700 paintings and drawings. He has gifted many of his early creations to people who appreciated them. Suma has produced numerous works, with quilling being her favorite.
The persistent impact of osteogenesis imperfecta has significantly affected the lives of Ganesh and Suma, the children of Nagamani and the late Rama Moolya in Panjimar, near Shirva, Udupi. Ganesh encountered this genetic disease at the age of five, while Suma's symptoms manifested at just seven months old. She had to leave school when she was in Class 6 because she was unable to walk. She has had eight surgical procedures. Ganesh has only weighed roughly 22 kg and has had one surgical procedure.
Despite their health struggles, both siblings remained resolute in pursuing education and employment. With the aid of a generous donor who provided Ganesh with an electric tricycle, he successfully completed his B.Com. course. The siblings were determined to overcome adversities and continue their educational journey.
Their greatest inspiration comes from the support they gott from art enthusiasts. Ganesh has drawn numerous depictions of animals, birds, gods, and notable people. Over a hundred arts and crafts pieces later, Suma says Ganesh is her inspiration. Ganesh has received over 44 awards from different organizations, and in 2021 he was given the Kannada Rajyotsava award at the district level in Udupi. Ganesh claims that he enjoys dedicating his mornings to creating art. "Working on art demands initial focus. Failure happens occasionally, but focus is crucial, he says. They get a lot of assistance from ordering art supplies online. Ganesh's skill and commitment are visible to viewers on his YouTube channel, Ganesh Panjimar Arts. Ganesh uses Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to promote his artwork.
Despite having a genetic condition, Ganesh and Suma Panjimar overcame all obstacles to succeed in the art world!